how to support a Black creative
it's really simple. you just have to put in the effort.
Welcome to The Update - as a note, this newsletter is an update to The Andrea Brown Podcast, a weekly show that covers everything from news to pop culture and innovation.
You can listen to this week’s episode by clicking here.
Please note that anything underlined in this letter is a link for you to click to learn more.
Today, I’d like to start by honoring the life and legacy of Cicely Tyson, who passed away yesterday at the age of 96. More than just an actress, Ms. Tyson was a champion and activist. Her work on screen was only overshadowed by the work she did for the empowerment of Black people, but especially Black women.
Her memoir, “Just As I Am” was released earlier this week, and you can purchase it here. Also, please check out this interview with Gayle King which aired earlier this week as well. She was asked what she would like people to remember about her. She replied, simply:
I did my best.
Indeed, and we are forever indebted.
headlines:
executive orders:
President Joe Biden has issued over 30 executive orders since being sworn into office last week. Many people are wondering - where is their money? The stimulus checks are tied to a bill that has to be approved by congress, and up until Monday, there was no treasury secretary.
Biden also committed to raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2025, but honestly, with inflation, the minimum wage should really be $25 by 2025.
Finally, Biden signed an EO directing the justice department to end all federal contracts with private prisons.
harriet tubman $20’s
The Biden Administration is also reopening the process of placing Harriet Tubman’s face on the $20 bill. Here’s my unpopular opinion: I don’t think Harriet Tubman would want her face on the same notes that were used to assign value to her life.
But that’s just me. What do you think about this? Are you excited about the Tubmans? Leave me a voice note by clicking the button below. I might use it in an upcoming episode of my podcast!
the superbowl is set:
The Kansas City Cheifs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face off in the Superbowl next weekend. The matchup is going to be great between Tom Brady & Patrick Mahomes, but there was a little drama off the field that is creating some chatter.
Trey Songz was on hand to witness the AFC championship game between the Bills and the Cheifs and wound up getting arrested after a physical altercation with police. Authorities say Trey was not following the state COVID protocols, as he refused to put his mask on. You would think someone who already had COVID would understand how important it is to be safe.
the kid is back:
MLB legend Ken Griffey Jr. is renewing his relationship with the league. He’s been tapped to become the senior advisor to the commissioner - focusing on diversity and inclusion. I think this is a great move. More Black and Brown kids should play baseball. Read more about his new role here.
you should know:
Clubhouse, the new-ish drop-in audio social media platform, has been valued at $1 Billion - and they just closed a Series B funding round led by Andreesen Horowitz that netted them $100 million. Some of that will be used to support a creator grant that seeks to support clubhouse creators.
There was a lot of social media chatter about this valuation, like the tweet below, because it seems that the app owes a lot to the creative Black users who’ve brought it to the forefront of conversations.
I agree, but I also know that this isn’t new. Black people move the culture. We’re cool. We should accept that. We should also support the Black creatives that are building companies that would rival big tech. Entrepreneur and rap legend Master P agrees with me. Find out what he had to say here.
On this week’s podcast, I asked listeners a question:
Why is what we create as Black people never good enough for other Black people?
Mainstream awards are more highly valued than NAACP Image or BET Awards. Why though? I’d love to get your opinion on this subject. Click the button below and leave me a voice note.
wknd guide
Busy week? Not sure what to watch, listen to, or read this weekend? Don’t worry. I’ve got you. This weekend we have some great new music and shows to watch, and I’ve placed them all in a handy guide which you can pick up at the link below. PartyNextDoor. Wendy Williams. A Trump Pardon for the Roc Nation CEO? It’s all in the guide. Enjoy.
That’s all for this week. You can follow me on all social media channels @iamandreabrown. Have a great weekend. Stay safe.
